Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
- Marvel at the ancient Basilica Cistern, a remarkable 4th-century water storage wonder from Byzantine times
- Unravel the mystery of the Medusa heads from Greek mythology as our guides share captivating tales
- Explore the vast expanse of this cathedral-sized cistern, an awe-inspiring legacy of Emperor Justinian I in 532 AD
- Be amazed by the impressive aqueduct network, spanning 20 kilometers to deliver water from the Black Sea
- Embark on a rich historical journey, tracing the water's path through centuries from the Eğrikapı Water Distribution Center to the majestic Basilica Cistern
Options
Skip-the-line guided tour
Inclusions
Admission to: Bisilica CIstern
English-speaking guide
Professional guide
Exclusions
Hotel pick up and drop off
Transport
Meals and beverages
Other personal expenses
Tips and gratuities
Additional Info
Free for children aged 0-3
Important: Infants and children must be included in the passenger headcount
Children aged 4+ will be charged the same rate as adults
Pets are prohibited
This activity is not stroller and wheelchair-accessible
What's included in Basilica Cistern Skip-the-Line Guided Tour
(Subject to Option Inclusions)- [Departure] meet up at Big Bus Sultanahmet stop in front of Hagia Sophia. You can choose to depart at the following times: 10:00, 12:00, 14:00, 16:00. Make sure you take part at the time you selected at booking, Big Bus Sultanahmet stop in front of Hagia Sophia Sultanahmet, Alemdar, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Please check your email for a confirmation on the pick-up location, as it is subject to change.Latecomers or no-shows can't be refunded Please arrive at the location 15 mins before the departure time
- [Attraction/experience] 30 min(s), Guided tour, Basilica Cistern
- [Return] at Big Bus Sultanahmet stop in front of Hagia Sophia, You can choose to return at the following times: 10:30, 12:30, 14:30, 16:30. Options available can vary based on the departure time you selected at booking and the duration of the itinerary.
Our Favourites
Discover the awe-inspiring Basilica Cistern, a historical marvel that dates back to the 4th century and was expanded in 532 AD. Embark on an unforgettable journey as you delve into the intriguing world of Byzantine times when the cistern served as a crucial water storage facility. Book your visit now and let our knowledgeable guides unravel the enigmatic Medusa heads, steeped in captivating Greek mythology. Prepare to be amazed as you explore the vast expanse of this cathedral-sized cistern, a remarkable engineering feat commissioned by Emperor Justinian I to supply water to the illustrious Great Palace. Imagine the grandeur of 80,000 cubic meters of water stored within, delivered through an impressive network of 20 kilometers of aqueducts, originating from a reservoir near the Black Sea. Be transported through time as you descend the fifty-two stone steps into the very heart of this extraordinary structure. Admire the precision and craftsmanship of the four-meter-thick firebrick wall, meticulously coated with waterproofing mortar, ensuring the preservation of this ancient wonder. Enthralling tales await as you learn how the Basilica Cistern's water originates from the Eğrikapı Water Distribution Center in the enchanting Belgrade Forest. Witness the journey it undertakes through the 971-meter-long Valens Aqueduct and the 115-meter-long Mağlova Aqueduct, both masterpieces built by the visionary Emperor Justinian. Don't miss this chance to immerse yourself in history and marvel at the ingenuity of our ancestors.
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Venues
- Basilica Cistern Istanbul Turkey
